VICTORVILLE, Calif – Emission-free electric lawn mowers, along with cordless electric blowers and trimmers will be available starting at only $50 to local residents who register online for the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District’s Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange beginning March 21.

Registrations can be made by clicking HERE. Visually-impaired residents or those without Internet access may also register beginning that day by calling 1-866-646-4652. This is the first year that residents will also be able to trade in gas-powered blowers and trimmers for zero-emission electric models.

Only pre-registered residents may bring their operable, gasoline-powered lawn mowers – emptied of all gas and oil – to the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville on April 16 between 8:00AM and 12:00 noon and exchange them for one of two electric lawnmower models: an 18” mower with a 36 volt battery for $50 (regular price: $345) or a self-propelled 19” cutting width mower with a 24 volt battery for $100 (regular price: $469). The event will also feature a 2.0ah battery, 80 volt electric string trimmer for $115 (MSRP: $399) and a 2.0ah battery, 80 volt electric blower for $85 (MSRP:$349). There is no limit on how many pieces of equipment may be exchanged- transactions will be on a first come, first served basis. Unregistered mowers, blowers and trimmers will not be accepted.

According to MDAQMD Executive Director Eldon Heaston, “Lawn mowers and other gasoline powered lawn and garden care equipment are the nation’s leading source of off-road emissions; one gas mower can pollute as much as 40 newer-model cars.” Heaston adds that although gas-powered mowers being sold today are 90% cleaner than those sold ten years ago, “Only electric mowers produce zero-emissions.”

In 2014 and 2015, the MDAQMD exchanged more than 150 mowers during the annual exchange. Because this year’s supply is also expected to go quickly, residents are encouraged to register early. For more information on the Electric Lawn Garden & Equipment Exchange, call the MDAQMD at (760) 245-1661 ext. 1885 or visit the District’s website at www.mdaqmd.ca.gov.